Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) firmly dismissed the government’s special fuel relief package on Tuesday, insisting that it cannot replace the petroleum levy. Following a delegation-level meeting in Islamabad with government ministers Ali Pervaiz Malik, Azam Nazir Tarar, and Bilal Azhar Kayani, JI Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch emphasized that the party remains steadfast in its demand for the levy’s removal.

During the discussions, the JI delegation was briefed by Petroleum Minister Malik and Energy Minister Awais Leghari on the petroleum sector’s status, fuel availability, and the pricing mechanism based on a seven-day rolling average. Baloch highlighted that abolishing the levy could reduce petrol prices by Rs103 per litre, a relief the party considers essential.

Notably, the JI delegation instructed the government representatives to convey to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that their planned march will proceed towards Islamabad, labeling the prime minister’s relief initiative as deceptive. The party had earlier announced this protest march for September 20, specifically to oppose the petroleum levy.

Meanwhile, the government issued a statement after the meeting asserting that JI welcomed the fuel relief measures but stressed the need for a permanent resolution to fundamental issues. Petroleum Minister Malik reiterated that the government is implementing comprehensive steps to safeguard consumers and maintain fuel supplies. He pointed out that targeted subsidies are being offered for motorcycles, Qingqi rickshaws, and small cars, describing these as effective means to assist deserving groups.

Malik also assured the JI delegation that fuel supplies were kept uninterrupted during the recent crisis. Bilal Azhar Kayani added that efforts are underway to expand the tax base and encourage direct taxation. The ministers confirmed that all recommendations from the JI would be forwarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the special relief scheme on Sunday, offering a Rs100 per litre discount on petrol for motorcyclists, rickshaw and Qingqi owners, and drivers of vehicles with engine capacities up to 800cc. Under this scheme, eligible owners and users of two- and three-wheeled vehicles can avail relief on up to 20 litres of petrol monthly, while small vehicle owners with engines up to 800cc are entitled to the discount on up to 30 litres per month.